Co-Axial to single rotor question on blades

[hotstocks]

Two weeks ago I bought a Esky Co-Comanche (same as Lama) Co-axial 2.4ghz 4ch RTF and Realflight sim. I have gotten fairly confident with it, except in even the slightest wind it seems to have a homing signal for my face. At first I practiced indoors so I could hover, not hit walls, ceiling, floor or crash. Now I fly in my yard on calm days and I have been having a HUGE problem lately. It seems that sometimes the 4 blades hit each other or the top blades hit the top stabilizing bar and the heli crashes and the blades are nicked or the bar comes off. This has been happening a lot lately and I don't want to keep buying blades if they ruin themselves (not in a crash). It seems to happen even on slight turns, banks, or rapid changes in any direction. Is this a common problem with dual rotor helicopters? And does it mean that it is time for me to step up to a real 4 or 6 channel single rotor heli? The two motors get burning hot on this heli and it just seems to want to beat itself up mid flight. I am seriously thinking of getting a Walkera 4#3B to learn on in the winter here inside my house, even though I heard they are hard to learn on. If I get a bigger cheap heli like the Eflite Blade, I will be grounded for 9 months of the year! Any suggestions and help would be appreciated.

[cambs flyer]

The only time Contra Heli's have numerous blade strikes is usually when the control rods have been moved up a hole or two on the Servo Horn, causing a more aggressive flight patten, the down side to this is multiple blade strikes when bringing the Heli to a sudden stop or going to fast.

Two weeks flying is a drop in the ocean, the Contra machine is really suited to indoor flight only, as outside flying is toilet and usually results in ten fold more crashes.

As for going to a Collective Cyclic Pitch machine, flying the Contra's offer no real flying experience to prepare you for the next jump, just experience having a heli under your control, only Sim practice can prepare you for that safely and inexpensively.

Phoenix is the fav' here.

[hotstocks]

I have not modified anything on the heli, and still get blade strikes when I fly it semi-aggresively (outside). To learn in my house over the winter, then the best thing is to just jump into the Walkera 4#3B, since it is small and also safe around kids is a plus in the house. I hear it is just like flying a real heli, some say it is easier and some say it is harder due to the small size? Next summer I might go outdoors with a larger heli, but a little worried about the safety factor and lawsuits. I have some sim practice on a regular heli, but it is real easy for me to get it out of control and crash unless I am just hovering around.

[Made2Fade]

Wouldnt recommend a Walkera 4#3B for learning on mate lol, there quite a handful to be honest. Its twitchy with it being so small. Gotta admit though its quite robust as long as you drop the throttle before crashing. No good for learning though. Phoenix RC is the way to go if you havent already got a sim.
Cheers
Lee

[hotstocks]

If I am going to buy a new bird I would like to know what is easiest to start with, as I have heard
that 4 channel fixed pitch is harder to learn on than 6 channel collective belt helis. I have no idea which
will be easier to learn on, as they seem about the same in flight sim. I do know which is more
expensive and difficult to repair though. What would you suggest to get as a first real heli?

[hotstocks]

Thanks for the info. Though it seems like the Exceed Falcon 40 is old niMH battery and FM technology.
For $10 more you can get a 2.4ghz Esky Honey Bee with Li-Po battery! Check this out here:

http://www.xheli.com/2eshobee4rch.html

Please let me know if this Esky Honey Bee would be a better deal and just as easy to learn, fly, repair.

Or is this more expensive model better?

http://www.chinesejade.com/walkera4G1B_Heli.htm

Thanks guys.